Phyllocarpus septentrionalis Donn. Sm. 1913, commonly called Monkey Flower Tree or Fire of Pakistan is a tropical, flowering tree native to Central and South America.

The Monkey Flower Tree, which reaches heights of about 12 meters, belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). Before the spectacular tree starts to flower in January - February, it drops all it`s leaves. The scarlet red flowers are grouped in big clusters and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The Monkey Flower Tree (Phyllocarpus septentrionalis) requires warm - hot temperatures and is best culivated in full sun. As the natural habitat of Phyllocarpus septentrionalis trees are tropical dry forests, they shouldn`t be overwatered. In honourto the American Fabaceae (Leguminosae) specialist Rupert Charles Barneby (1911 – 2000) Phyllocarpus septentrionalis has been switched over to the Barnebydendron genus and has been renamed as Barnebydendron riedelii (Tul.) J.H. Kirkbr. 1999. As far as we could find out, both botanical names are accepted by the science of botany.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Monkey Flower Tree (Phyllocarpus septentrionalis)

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Monkey Flower Tree (Phyllocarpus septentrionalis)